Crane Accidents & Injuries: Causes, Prevention, and Lawsuits

Due to the large loads that cranes carry and transfer, accidents can result in catastrophic injuries or even death. Mechanical failure, human mistakes, weather conditions, inadequate training, and a lack of safety precautions are all potential causes of crane related accidents and injuries. Prevention of such mishaps might include appropriate equipment maintenance and inspection, adherence to safety regulations, and providing suitable operator training. In addition, victims of accidents may be eligible for compensation through a personal injury lawsuit. In such instances, it is critical to get legal counsel to follow the appropriate course of action if injured in a crane accident.

What are the Four Most Common Crane Accidents?

Crane accidents are some of the most destructive and potentially dangerous occurrences at a job site which cause serious injury or death. Unfortunately, they happen regularly, and understanding the most common causes can help you stay safe and prevent serious injury or even death. Here are the four most common crane accidents and how to avoid them:

• Collapse: This accident occurs when the crane’s structural integrity is compromised due to improper use or maintenance. It can be one of the leading causes of overloading the crane beyond its capacity and can also lead to a collapse. To prevent this, always check the crane’s load capacity before lifting, and ensure that the crane is regularly inspected and maintained to avoid construction accidents.
• Swing Radius: Swing radius accidents are caused when the crane’s boom swings too close to an obstacle or person, resulting in injury or damage. To prevent this, always make sure that the crane operator is aware of the crane’s swing radius and other obstacles that may be in the way.
• Sway: Sway accidents occur when the crane’s load is not balanced correctly or secured, causing the crane to sway or tip. Double-check the load’s weight and balance before lifting it to prevent this.
• Unstable Surface: Unstable surface accidents are caused when the ground beneath the crane is not stable enough to support its weight. Always check the basis for any potential instability before setting up the crane to avoid this.

What is the Root Cause of the Crane Accident?

Various factors, including equipment failure, human error, environmental conditions, and improper maintenance, can cause accidents involving crane. Therefore, it is essential to identify the accident’s root cause to ensure it does not happen again. The root cause of crane accidents is categorized into four main areas: mechanical, human, environmental, and procedural.

• Mechanical Factor: It is the most common cause of crane accidents. Poor maintenance, inadequate safety systems, and defective parts can all lead to crane accidents. The use of outdated or faulty equipment can also cause serious accidents. 
• The Human Factor: It is a significant cause of crane accidents. Poor judgment, fatigue, and lack of knowledge of the person operating the crane can lead to accidents. Operator errors such as not following safety protocols or not paying attention to the environment around the crane can also result in an accident.
• Environmental Factor: It can also contribute to crane accidents. High winds, slippery surfaces, and other hazardous conditions can cause construction site accidents. Additionally, obstructions in the crane’s path can cause an accident.
• Procedural Factor: Also cause crane injuries. Procedures that need to be followed correctly, such as not employing the correct crane for the work or not examining the crane thoroughly before usage, might result in an accident. Additionally, inadequate training of crane operators can lead to accidents.

3 Safety Tips When Dealing with Cranes?

When dealing with cranes, safety is always the top priority. Here are three tips to ensure a safe working environment and minimize the risk of injury:

• Wear the proper safety gear: Hard hats, safety glasses, steel-toed shoes, and other protective clothing should always be worn when working with cranes. Also, inspect the crane before use to check for any issues.
• Follow the manufacturer’s instructions: Read them thoroughly and follow them to the letter. Ensure to understand the crane’s specifications and limitations, and always stay within those limitations.
• Maintain proper communication: Communication between workers and crane operators is vital to safety. Establish a communication system and use it to ensure that everyone is aware of their surroundings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who can I sue if a falling crane injured me?

If injuries caused by crane accidents, you may have a legal claim against the crane operator, the crane owner, and the contractor responsible for the crane’s maintenance and operation. Additionally, you might be able to file a lawsuit against the property owner and anyone else who helped make the crane unsafe. Finally, depending on the circumstances, a product liability lawsuit may also be an option. You want to speak with a knowledgeable personal injury attorney to go through your legal alternatives to claim workers’ compensation.

Are property owners held liable for crane accidents?

Suppose a property owner has hired a crane operator to perform work on their property. In that case, they may be held responsible for any accidents at the construction site due to the operator’s negligence or due to human error. However, it’s also essential to consider the safety regulations of the area where the crane is being used. If the local laws are not followed, the property owner may be held accountable for any resulting on-the-job injuries or damages.

If I was injured on the job by a crane, am I allowed to sue?

You may be eligible to compensation for your accident injury and damages if you were hurt in a crane accident occur at work. Depending on the specific circumstances, you may be able to file a lawsuit against the employer, the crane operator, or the manufacturer of the crane. In that situation, you need to see a skilled personal injury lawyer who can explain your legal choices and help you decide whether filing a lawsuit is the right course of action.

What are the main variables that lead to crane accidents?

Various factors, including mechanical failure, human error, and environmental conditions, can cause crane accidents. Inadequate operator training, overloading, irregular maintenance, poor rigging, and failure to adhere to safety procedures are some of the most frequent causes of crane accidents. Weather, high winds, and unstable ground can also contribute to crane accidents. Understanding the most common causes of crane accidents can help employers better protect their workers and prevent future incidents.